"Dear, look to your right. There's someone sitting there that you'd recognise. Don't make it obvious!" I whispered to my wife, looking nonchalantly at another direction.
She's very good, my missus. She took a casual glance and then looked back at me, her eyes signalling that she knew who I was talking about.
Ronald Susilo was sitting at the next table, to our right.
Halfway through our breakfast at the coffeeshop, we agreed that we'd go up to him and tell him that we're proud of him playing for our country.
But then, before we could think of what exactly to say, he got up and left. From the corner of our eyes, we visually stalked him till he reached for his car that was parked just outside the coffeeshop.
Oh well.
Ronald has been working his socks off and has done well in international competitions. He has certainly helped to put Singapore on the global badminton scene. Another good news is that we have others too, such as Kendrick Lee, who is a very promising player himself.
Singapore has got world champions in bowling, silat and sailing in recent years. We are the regional champions in soccer. Our swimming team boasts an Asian Games gold medallist. We have a fantastic shooting team.
The problem is that some people still think sport has got no future. It can't earn them a decent livelihood.
Nonsense.
Think again. Singapore has a blossoming sports industry. We've got Republic Polytechnic offering sports diplomas. We've got a very proactive Singapore Sports Council. We've got a new Sports Hub ready by the next decade. We've got the very exciting Formula 1 night street race next year. There's even talk of a hotel that might be built with a sports theme.
Opportunities abound.
Things are looking up for sports in Singapore.
If you've always been critical of our local sports athletes and programmes, then I ask you: what have you done to contribute?
Schools are asked to play a part and the sports community acknowledges that students play a huge role in making Singapore a sports-loving nation.
I see fanatical supporters lining along the streets of Monaco during the F1 race. I see packed stadiums during the Wimbledon championships in London. I see vociferous crowds thronging the roads at the New York Marathon.
The people there obviously have got something right. The sense of national spirit, fun and sport is very strong.
I think we can do that - our way, our style - here in Singapore.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
About a long long bicycle ride
I barely made it home yesterday evening.
All I really wanted was to wash off all the grime and get some good rest!
When I signed up for 128km Bike Rally organised by the NTU Sports Club in March, I thought nothing of the distance involved.
On hindsight, it turned out to be somewhat tougher that what I expected.
The Bike Rally is not a competitive event. It is 'only' a 128km bicycle long-distance event that took us round Singapore, touching the 4 ends of the island.
I registered for this event without realising that the last time I cycled properly was well over 5 years ago, back in my university days in England.
The Rally kicked off at 0700 at East Coast Beach Food Centre. From there, the 400-strong cycling contingent moved en masse for the first leg of the journey - along East Coast beach, towards the city, past Mountbatten Road, Nicoll Highway, past the monumental Singapore Flyer, past the Esplanade, down Shenton Highway, past Vivocity, and reached the first checkpoint - Labrador Park.
The break last merely 10 minutes even though the first leg took about an hour. The lead cyclist took off again for the second leg of the Rally. I quickly put on my helmet and scampered off, determined not to be left at the back of the pack.
I still felt good, but because my bicyle was a single-speed bicycle, cycling on straight, flat roads become very tedious. Many other cyclists, with their more advanced multi-speed bicycles, easily overtook me. It's not that big a problem, anyway. But the difference is very telling: The leading pack of cyclists were soon out of my sight - so superior were their bicycles.
From Labrador, we cycled down West Coast Road, into Jurong Port Road, Pioneer Road, past the ghostly silent industrial parks of Jurong, past the fringes of Jurong West, and stopped at NTU's Sports and Recreation Centre for the next rest point.
By then the sun's withering heat was visibly taking its toll on some of the cyclists. I replenished my fluids and gratefully munched on some sandwiches. I was feeling really hungry and very parched.
The second leg (from Labrador Park to NTU) took well over an hour-fifteen minutes of non-stop road cycling - no easy task!
After a half-an-hour rest at NTU, we took off again, from NTU to the expansive roads of Lim Chu Kang (where massive trucks sped past us, rattling our bicycles), past the cemetries, into Neo Tiew Road, past the farms, and to my great relief, we stopped at Kranji Dam for the next break. This third leg was much easier than the second leg. It was certainly much shorter (about 45 minutes), and much more enjoyable, as this route took us past the peaceful and tranquil greenery of this isolated part of Singapore.
At Kranji Dam, Johor Bahru was hazily visible on our left side as we took a breather. Then we proceeded on the fourth leg of the Rally. We went into the Sungei Kadut industrial region, the dusty Woodlands Road, and the nightmare part of the race: Mandai Road.
Mandai Road is an endless and unforgiving road - unimaginably long, fringed by endless rows of trees on either side.
But what took the stuffing out of me were 2 slopes - the gradients were not very steep but the slopes were as far as my eye could see. That meant relentless pedalling just to keep my bicycle moving. Along the way I laboured past exhausted cyclists who had already given up cycling and were pushing their bikes up the slope.
With every push of the pedal, I remembered telling my PE classes about getting to the top of the slope as quick as possible during the 2.4km race. With this piece of advice echoing in my head, I grinded my way up, pushing out all thoughts of slowing down.
Reaching the top of these slopes took the wind out of me. Even as I tried to regain my breath, it was hard to control my panting, after all that effort to clear those slopes.
We cycled past the Mandai SAF military camp and the Zoo.
From the crippling Mandai Road stretch, we headed into Yishun Avenue 1, went past Orchid Country Club, and finally turned into Yishun Stadium carpark, for the next rest point. The time taken for the fourth leg? One hour and a half.
By then my joints were creaking. Even my arms were locking up, stiff from gripping the handle bars. My quads were beginning to get very tight - not a good sign at all.
I consumed vast amounts of water - knowing that hydration is critical for muscles to go on working longer.
From Yishun, we wearily climbed onto our bikes and moved off again, for the fifth leg of the arduous journey. This time, we continued all the way to the end of Yishun Avenue 1, into Seletar Camp, down Jalan Kayu, into Sengkang, past the new flats, into Upper Serangoon Road, and stopped at Serangoon Secondary School. This journey again exceeded the one-hour mark.
It's the same scene over and over again - bikes left by the wayside as exhausted cyclists massaged their tired muscles, munching on bananas and sandwiches, drinking Gatorade and water feverishly. Some were staring into blank space, while others were lying down. Quite a few were talking about the long distances, their tired limbs, the hot weather. I steered clear of such unmotivating and useless chatter that served no purpose.
I refused to sit. I remained standing, moving around here and there to soothe the arms and legs. I did not want to do anything that would jeopardise the momentum. If I sat down, my muscles would certainly 'shut down' and lock up into cramps.
I looked at those whose eyes remained alert. There were a few. I marvelled at their strength, which must reach great depths from their inner beings.
A large bus soon halted outside the school. Quite a great number, perhaps 20 - 30, alighted and I soon recognised some of them as they had been next to me when we started the Rally in the morning. I realised that they had dropped out of the Rally, perhaps due to fatigue or heat exhaustion. They certainly looked glum. It must feel terrible to drop out.
I told myself that I must finish this thing. I steeled myself for the next leg of the Rally.
Once I saw the lead cyclists moving into position, I clipped on my helmet, wore my Oakleys, tightened my gloves and moved into position. Of course I was tired, but I would rather stay with them and finish this one helluva race than to linger behind with the stragglers and fall far behind.
From Serangoon, at about 2pm, we cycled into Hougang Avenue 7, and turned into Tampines Road, past Giant, Ikea, into Pasir Ris, into Loyang Avenue, past Changi Village, and finally stopped at Changi Beach Car Park for our final rest-point.
By then, I was numb. My muscles were literally burning up. My head was spinning and throbbing against the helmet, even though I drank so much. My shoulders and neck were darkened red and I was too tired to splash sunblock. Utterly foolish.
From there, we would be cycling back to East Coast Beach - the finish line. But there was another massive hurdle - the endless stretch of Changi Coast Road. This road is immeasurably long. It took me a good 15 minutes just to cycle from the start to the end of this road. From there we hit the very start of East Coast Beach cycling track, going past National Sailing Centre, OBS, PA Sports Club, Bedok Jetty and finally crossed the finish line at just over 5.00pm.
I was bloody glad to cross that line.
We took off at 7am and returned back at 5pm. In that span of time we hit the 4 corners of Singapore.
Excluding the rest time, I was on the bicycle today cycling for a grand total of 7 hours 30 minutes.
I don't know if I'll do this again next year. Give me cycling anytime, but today's Rally really takes the cake. I'll probably stick to running next time!
But I'm very proud. Listen, I finished this 128 km Rally with a single-speed bike.
This single-speed bicycle is a gift from my dad so I really have no qualms about using it again. Of course, I could have rented a multi-speed bike, knowing that it's far easier.
But then again, the glory and pride is greater now, isn't it, now that I've conquered this race with a 'primitive' machine.
Anyway, some of the cyclists remarked to me, 'you solid ah, cycle with single-speed bike!' 'Wow, I noticed you're on a single-speed bike.' 'Wahhh, you god ah, so steady!' 'My bike cost me $4K you know. How much your bike?' Hilarious.
Mine is free of charge, thank you.
This is probably the toughest physical test I've undertaken so far.
And I'm glad I passed it. It's been a tremendous experience. Nah. I've no regrets at all about joining this bike Rally. Yea it's tough, it's damn tiring, but it's also fun.
What a good way to end the term, eh?
All I really wanted was to wash off all the grime and get some good rest!
When I signed up for 128km Bike Rally organised by the NTU Sports Club in March, I thought nothing of the distance involved.
On hindsight, it turned out to be somewhat tougher that what I expected.
The Bike Rally is not a competitive event. It is 'only' a 128km bicycle long-distance event that took us round Singapore, touching the 4 ends of the island.
I registered for this event without realising that the last time I cycled properly was well over 5 years ago, back in my university days in England.
The Rally kicked off at 0700 at East Coast Beach Food Centre. From there, the 400-strong cycling contingent moved en masse for the first leg of the journey - along East Coast beach, towards the city, past Mountbatten Road, Nicoll Highway, past the monumental Singapore Flyer, past the Esplanade, down Shenton Highway, past Vivocity, and reached the first checkpoint - Labrador Park.
The break last merely 10 minutes even though the first leg took about an hour. The lead cyclist took off again for the second leg of the Rally. I quickly put on my helmet and scampered off, determined not to be left at the back of the pack.
I still felt good, but because my bicyle was a single-speed bicycle, cycling on straight, flat roads become very tedious. Many other cyclists, with their more advanced multi-speed bicycles, easily overtook me. It's not that big a problem, anyway. But the difference is very telling: The leading pack of cyclists were soon out of my sight - so superior were their bicycles.
From Labrador, we cycled down West Coast Road, into Jurong Port Road, Pioneer Road, past the ghostly silent industrial parks of Jurong, past the fringes of Jurong West, and stopped at NTU's Sports and Recreation Centre for the next rest point.
By then the sun's withering heat was visibly taking its toll on some of the cyclists. I replenished my fluids and gratefully munched on some sandwiches. I was feeling really hungry and very parched.
The second leg (from Labrador Park to NTU) took well over an hour-fifteen minutes of non-stop road cycling - no easy task!
After a half-an-hour rest at NTU, we took off again, from NTU to the expansive roads of Lim Chu Kang (where massive trucks sped past us, rattling our bicycles), past the cemetries, into Neo Tiew Road, past the farms, and to my great relief, we stopped at Kranji Dam for the next break. This third leg was much easier than the second leg. It was certainly much shorter (about 45 minutes), and much more enjoyable, as this route took us past the peaceful and tranquil greenery of this isolated part of Singapore.
At Kranji Dam, Johor Bahru was hazily visible on our left side as we took a breather. Then we proceeded on the fourth leg of the Rally. We went into the Sungei Kadut industrial region, the dusty Woodlands Road, and the nightmare part of the race: Mandai Road.
Mandai Road is an endless and unforgiving road - unimaginably long, fringed by endless rows of trees on either side.
But what took the stuffing out of me were 2 slopes - the gradients were not very steep but the slopes were as far as my eye could see. That meant relentless pedalling just to keep my bicycle moving. Along the way I laboured past exhausted cyclists who had already given up cycling and were pushing their bikes up the slope.
With every push of the pedal, I remembered telling my PE classes about getting to the top of the slope as quick as possible during the 2.4km race. With this piece of advice echoing in my head, I grinded my way up, pushing out all thoughts of slowing down.
Reaching the top of these slopes took the wind out of me. Even as I tried to regain my breath, it was hard to control my panting, after all that effort to clear those slopes.
We cycled past the Mandai SAF military camp and the Zoo.
From the crippling Mandai Road stretch, we headed into Yishun Avenue 1, went past Orchid Country Club, and finally turned into Yishun Stadium carpark, for the next rest point. The time taken for the fourth leg? One hour and a half.
By then my joints were creaking. Even my arms were locking up, stiff from gripping the handle bars. My quads were beginning to get very tight - not a good sign at all.
I consumed vast amounts of water - knowing that hydration is critical for muscles to go on working longer.
From Yishun, we wearily climbed onto our bikes and moved off again, for the fifth leg of the arduous journey. This time, we continued all the way to the end of Yishun Avenue 1, into Seletar Camp, down Jalan Kayu, into Sengkang, past the new flats, into Upper Serangoon Road, and stopped at Serangoon Secondary School. This journey again exceeded the one-hour mark.
It's the same scene over and over again - bikes left by the wayside as exhausted cyclists massaged their tired muscles, munching on bananas and sandwiches, drinking Gatorade and water feverishly. Some were staring into blank space, while others were lying down. Quite a few were talking about the long distances, their tired limbs, the hot weather. I steered clear of such unmotivating and useless chatter that served no purpose.
I refused to sit. I remained standing, moving around here and there to soothe the arms and legs. I did not want to do anything that would jeopardise the momentum. If I sat down, my muscles would certainly 'shut down' and lock up into cramps.
I looked at those whose eyes remained alert. There were a few. I marvelled at their strength, which must reach great depths from their inner beings.
A large bus soon halted outside the school. Quite a great number, perhaps 20 - 30, alighted and I soon recognised some of them as they had been next to me when we started the Rally in the morning. I realised that they had dropped out of the Rally, perhaps due to fatigue or heat exhaustion. They certainly looked glum. It must feel terrible to drop out.
I told myself that I must finish this thing. I steeled myself for the next leg of the Rally.
Once I saw the lead cyclists moving into position, I clipped on my helmet, wore my Oakleys, tightened my gloves and moved into position. Of course I was tired, but I would rather stay with them and finish this one helluva race than to linger behind with the stragglers and fall far behind.
From Serangoon, at about 2pm, we cycled into Hougang Avenue 7, and turned into Tampines Road, past Giant, Ikea, into Pasir Ris, into Loyang Avenue, past Changi Village, and finally stopped at Changi Beach Car Park for our final rest-point.
By then, I was numb. My muscles were literally burning up. My head was spinning and throbbing against the helmet, even though I drank so much. My shoulders and neck were darkened red and I was too tired to splash sunblock. Utterly foolish.
From there, we would be cycling back to East Coast Beach - the finish line. But there was another massive hurdle - the endless stretch of Changi Coast Road. This road is immeasurably long. It took me a good 15 minutes just to cycle from the start to the end of this road. From there we hit the very start of East Coast Beach cycling track, going past National Sailing Centre, OBS, PA Sports Club, Bedok Jetty and finally crossed the finish line at just over 5.00pm.
I was bloody glad to cross that line.
We took off at 7am and returned back at 5pm. In that span of time we hit the 4 corners of Singapore.
Excluding the rest time, I was on the bicycle today cycling for a grand total of 7 hours 30 minutes.
I don't know if I'll do this again next year. Give me cycling anytime, but today's Rally really takes the cake. I'll probably stick to running next time!
But I'm very proud. Listen, I finished this 128 km Rally with a single-speed bike.
This single-speed bicycle is a gift from my dad so I really have no qualms about using it again. Of course, I could have rented a multi-speed bike, knowing that it's far easier.
But then again, the glory and pride is greater now, isn't it, now that I've conquered this race with a 'primitive' machine.
Anyway, some of the cyclists remarked to me, 'you solid ah, cycle with single-speed bike!' 'Wow, I noticed you're on a single-speed bike.' 'Wahhh, you god ah, so steady!' 'My bike cost me $4K you know. How much your bike?' Hilarious.
Mine is free of charge, thank you.
This is probably the toughest physical test I've undertaken so far.
And I'm glad I passed it. It's been a tremendous experience. Nah. I've no regrets at all about joining this bike Rally. Yea it's tough, it's damn tiring, but it's also fun.
What a good way to end the term, eh?
Saturday, May 26, 2007
About IHG photos and your blog links
Even though the IHG Captain's Ball championship was a great success, there was a slight regret.
I had neglected to appoint an official photographer for the event!
So if you have any photos of the event - whether they are photos of the players, officials, teachers, supporters etc - as long as the photos are related to the event, I would appreciate it if you could share them with me.
Do email me your photos at hoyuken17@hotmail.com. I hope to compile an album!
Do help spread the word around too. Thank you!
Also, I've noticed some of the blog links are no longer valid. If you've changed your blog address and you would like me to link you, I will be glad to, so drop me a message under the 'comments' section with your new blog address. Cheers.
I had neglected to appoint an official photographer for the event!
So if you have any photos of the event - whether they are photos of the players, officials, teachers, supporters etc - as long as the photos are related to the event, I would appreciate it if you could share them with me.
Do email me your photos at hoyuken17@hotmail.com. I hope to compile an album!
Do help spread the word around too. Thank you!
Also, I've noticed some of the blog links are no longer valid. If you've changed your blog address and you would like me to link you, I will be glad to, so drop me a message under the 'comments' section with your new blog address. Cheers.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
About the Fajarian spirit - unleashed
I've never witnessed such scenes before.
Hordes of students were cheering their teams ceaselessly. On the court, running battles were played out, chasing down every ball.
Every goal scored was met with a crescendo of cheers.
Organising this Inter-House Captain's Ball Championship worked. The players were raring to go. So many people wanted to be a part of it.
I was nailed to every game. Many players played beyond their limits, fighting exhaustion under the withering heat of the afternoon sun.
The match schedule was very punishing, and understandably so, since there were so many matches to complete in one afternoon.
I must thank my Peer Leaders. Their hard work allowed the event to run smoothly, and Mr Maran, Mr Ong and I fully trusted in them.
I have to thank my esteemed colleagues, Mr Maran and Mr Ong. Did you see those brilliant goals scored by Mr Maran in the Goodwill match? Awesome!
I have to thank the players. This championship brought out the best in many of them.
Some faced defeat with tremendous courage and positivity. Truly that is the mark of resilience.
Congratulations to the teams that did well. You played really well today!
To all the teams, in my mind, I consider you equally successful. In victory or defeat, you kept your heads up and never gave up. With such an attitude, victory will come sooner than later.
Have a good rest, you all.
Thank you for making this championship a resounding success.
Hordes of students were cheering their teams ceaselessly. On the court, running battles were played out, chasing down every ball.
Every goal scored was met with a crescendo of cheers.
Organising this Inter-House Captain's Ball Championship worked. The players were raring to go. So many people wanted to be a part of it.
I was nailed to every game. Many players played beyond their limits, fighting exhaustion under the withering heat of the afternoon sun.
The match schedule was very punishing, and understandably so, since there were so many matches to complete in one afternoon.
I must thank my Peer Leaders. Their hard work allowed the event to run smoothly, and Mr Maran, Mr Ong and I fully trusted in them.
I have to thank my esteemed colleagues, Mr Maran and Mr Ong. Did you see those brilliant goals scored by Mr Maran in the Goodwill match? Awesome!
I have to thank the players. This championship brought out the best in many of them.
Some faced defeat with tremendous courage and positivity. Truly that is the mark of resilience.
Congratulations to the teams that did well. You played really well today!
To all the teams, in my mind, I consider you equally successful. In victory or defeat, you kept your heads up and never gave up. With such an attitude, victory will come sooner than later.
Have a good rest, you all.
Thank you for making this championship a resounding success.
Monday, May 21, 2007
About the IHG Captain's Ball Championships
FAJAR INTER-HOUSE SECONDARY 3
Captain’s Ball Championships
23rd May 2007
information for student officials
OFFICIALS:
Timekeeper: Eun Jin
Crowd Control: Hanisah, Oo Thu, Shahiddin
Scorers: Finah, Nazurah
Umpires: Huda, Veron, Sufian, Zulklifi
Safety: Finah, Nazurah, Shahiddin
Overall I/C: Mr Maran, Mr Kelvin Ong, Mr Ken Ng
LOGISTICS:
Masking tape x 01 roll
Cones
Chairs x 04
Whistles for all officials
Clipboards for all officials
Yellow and Red cards for all officials
Water-bottle for all officials
Netballs x 03
Coloured bands
Writing materials
A-Frame to put up score charts (check with Ms Cheryl)
Loudhailer x 01
CAPTAIN’S BALL: RULES OF THE GAME
Duration: 10 mins per match
Start
1. The ball starts from the centre of the court with a jump ball.
2. All players are to remain in their own half of the court before the first pass is taken.
Infringement
1. A player is only allowed to take 1 step with the ball. After which, she can only move with one feet planted on the same spot.
2. Players are not allowed to dribble the ball.
3. Opponent must be at least 1 metre from the player with the ball. (distance is measured from feet to feet)
4. Opponents are not allowed to contact the player with the ball in any way.
5. Violation of the above rules will result in a free pass or shot to the opposing team.
Substitution
1. There is no limit to the number of times a player may come on to the court to substitute another player.
Scoring
1. To score, the Captain must hold the ball firmly and remain on the bench for 3 seconds.
Umpire
1. The umpire’s decision is final.
2. The umpire may impose rules not covered above at his or her discretion to ensure the safety and fairness of the game. In such a situation, the other teams will be informed of this decision and the rules will remain in force until the end of the carnival.
3. The umpire may, at his or her discretion, send off a player who behaves in an unsportsmanlike manner.
Captain’s Ball Championships
23rd May 2007
information for student officials
OFFICIALS:
Timekeeper: Eun Jin
Crowd Control: Hanisah, Oo Thu, Shahiddin
Scorers: Finah, Nazurah
Umpires: Huda, Veron, Sufian, Zulklifi
Safety: Finah, Nazurah, Shahiddin
Overall I/C: Mr Maran, Mr Kelvin Ong, Mr Ken Ng
LOGISTICS:
Masking tape x 01 roll
Cones
Chairs x 04
Whistles for all officials
Clipboards for all officials
Yellow and Red cards for all officials
Water-bottle for all officials
Netballs x 03
Coloured bands
Writing materials
A-Frame to put up score charts (check with Ms Cheryl)
Loudhailer x 01
CAPTAIN’S BALL: RULES OF THE GAME
Duration: 10 mins per match
Start
1. The ball starts from the centre of the court with a jump ball.
2. All players are to remain in their own half of the court before the first pass is taken.
Infringement
1. A player is only allowed to take 1 step with the ball. After which, she can only move with one feet planted on the same spot.
2. Players are not allowed to dribble the ball.
3. Opponent must be at least 1 metre from the player with the ball. (distance is measured from feet to feet)
4. Opponents are not allowed to contact the player with the ball in any way.
5. Violation of the above rules will result in a free pass or shot to the opposing team.
Substitution
1. There is no limit to the number of times a player may come on to the court to substitute another player.
Scoring
1. To score, the Captain must hold the ball firmly and remain on the bench for 3 seconds.
Umpire
1. The umpire’s decision is final.
2. The umpire may impose rules not covered above at his or her discretion to ensure the safety and fairness of the game. In such a situation, the other teams will be informed of this decision and the rules will remain in force until the end of the carnival.
3. The umpire may, at his or her discretion, send off a player who behaves in an unsportsmanlike manner.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
About pushing on, till the end
Keep holding on to those revision plans, 4E5.
You've promised to the Teachers, to your parents, maybe even to your friends, and most importantly, to yourself. You have made that sacred promise to study, to revise, to understand, to perfect.
If you've strove and stumbled badly at this Mid Year Examinations, then choose to be a winner. Pick yourself up, brush off the dust, and keep moving forward.
NEVER ever lose sight of the ultimate goal you dream of.
The road ahead will be tough. You will face obstacles again and again, from within and from without, that will threaten to impede your progress.
You must keep your eye on the end-goal - and that is success at the O Levels.
This is the grandest prize of all, lofty yet attainable.
Work with the Teachers. Change the ways you study.
Just keep doing it. Don't stop!
Success may just be a fingertip away. Just reach out, lean forward, stretch your dreams.
There may yet be a happy ending for you all.
You've promised to the Teachers, to your parents, maybe even to your friends, and most importantly, to yourself. You have made that sacred promise to study, to revise, to understand, to perfect.
If you've strove and stumbled badly at this Mid Year Examinations, then choose to be a winner. Pick yourself up, brush off the dust, and keep moving forward.
NEVER ever lose sight of the ultimate goal you dream of.
The road ahead will be tough. You will face obstacles again and again, from within and from without, that will threaten to impede your progress.
You must keep your eye on the end-goal - and that is success at the O Levels.
This is the grandest prize of all, lofty yet attainable.
Work with the Teachers. Change the ways you study.
Just keep doing it. Don't stop!
Success may just be a fingertip away. Just reach out, lean forward, stretch your dreams.
There may yet be a happy ending for you all.
About irresistable yet expensive toys
Last week I went on a mad splurge.
For the longest time my hands have been itching to spend on gadgets. So many times I have been tempted to get that red ipod Nano. That Tivoli DAB radio at Tangs looks irresistable. The soon-to-be launched Bluetooth Sony DVD Micro Hifi looks tailor-made for my apartment.
It's taken all my willpower to restrain myself. Sometimes when I am seemingly overpowered by the spending urges, my wife would bring me back to earth by asking, "Do we really need it?"
The answer would be a no and that would be the end of the struggle.
It's not that I need anyone's permission to buy things, but you know, it's actually very wise to have someone who can be very rational in the money matters in life.
Just as my missus curbs my lust for electronic gadgets, I also do my part and return the favour too.
Like, whenever she comes home with a new pair of shoes or new clothes, sometimes I'd ask in jest, "Do we still have space?"
At times she would answer with a glare.
Anyway I am proud to announce to myself that my wife and I are the proud owners of a powerful digital camera - the Canon Ixus 850IS. That cost quite a bit! It has a host of advanced features such as a beautiful large LCD screen and a superb 7.1MP worth of power. I have to say a huge thanks to my beloved Uncle Vincent who works at Cathay Photo Pte Ltd. He gave me an unbelievable discount that was absolutely unbeatable.
Then a couple of days later, a Sony catalogue found its way into my postbox. Gleefully I browsed through this book and literally salivated at all those Sony products - the VAIO notebooks, the gorgeous LCD TVs, the earphones. Everything looks so good. Darn!
But what arrested my attention was this new Sony MP3 walkman. It comes in 5 ravishing colours, in the right size, at the right price, with the right features.
On the very same day, I headed straight to Harvey Norman West Mall, and went for the Black 4GB Sony MP3 player. It is the size of a USB thumb-drive but it will be a perfect companion when I resume my regular runs.
All in all, I am mightily pleased with my conquests but I am not satiated yet. That usually spells trouble. That means, if I ever land myself in those electronic stores again, and happen to lay my eyes on that Sony DVD Micro hifi (when it arrives into our shores in a fortnight's time), I might be overwhelmed with lust again and find myself lugging home a new set.
I wonder what my missus would say to me if that happens?
For the longest time my hands have been itching to spend on gadgets. So many times I have been tempted to get that red ipod Nano. That Tivoli DAB radio at Tangs looks irresistable. The soon-to-be launched Bluetooth Sony DVD Micro Hifi looks tailor-made for my apartment.
It's taken all my willpower to restrain myself. Sometimes when I am seemingly overpowered by the spending urges, my wife would bring me back to earth by asking, "Do we really need it?"
The answer would be a no and that would be the end of the struggle.
It's not that I need anyone's permission to buy things, but you know, it's actually very wise to have someone who can be very rational in the money matters in life.
Just as my missus curbs my lust for electronic gadgets, I also do my part and return the favour too.
Like, whenever she comes home with a new pair of shoes or new clothes, sometimes I'd ask in jest, "Do we still have space?"
At times she would answer with a glare.
Anyway I am proud to announce to myself that my wife and I are the proud owners of a powerful digital camera - the Canon Ixus 850IS. That cost quite a bit! It has a host of advanced features such as a beautiful large LCD screen and a superb 7.1MP worth of power. I have to say a huge thanks to my beloved Uncle Vincent who works at Cathay Photo Pte Ltd. He gave me an unbelievable discount that was absolutely unbeatable.
Then a couple of days later, a Sony catalogue found its way into my postbox. Gleefully I browsed through this book and literally salivated at all those Sony products - the VAIO notebooks, the gorgeous LCD TVs, the earphones. Everything looks so good. Darn!
But what arrested my attention was this new Sony MP3 walkman. It comes in 5 ravishing colours, in the right size, at the right price, with the right features.
On the very same day, I headed straight to Harvey Norman West Mall, and went for the Black 4GB Sony MP3 player. It is the size of a USB thumb-drive but it will be a perfect companion when I resume my regular runs.
All in all, I am mightily pleased with my conquests but I am not satiated yet. That usually spells trouble. That means, if I ever land myself in those electronic stores again, and happen to lay my eyes on that Sony DVD Micro hifi (when it arrives into our shores in a fortnight's time), I might be overwhelmed with lust again and find myself lugging home a new set.
I wonder what my missus would say to me if that happens?
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